Little hope in troubled jail regime

The women's experiences on getting out of jail included "overdose, gang rape, prostitution, homelessness and polydrug use". Of the 22 women who were released from prison during the six months, only seven returned home and did not report any trauma. And, "three of the original cohort of 40 women died".

The women's experiences on getting out of jail included "overdose, gang rape, prostitution, homelessness and polydrug use". Of the 22 women who were released from prison during the six months, only seven returned home and did not report any trauma. And, "three of the original cohort of 40 women died".

Share

Little hope in troubled jail regime

Independent.ie

The women's experiences on getting out of jail included "overdose, gang rape, prostitution, homelessness and polydrug use". Of the 22 women who were released from prison during the six months, only seven returned home and did not report any trauma. And, "three of the original cohort of 40 women died".

The Irish Prison Service claims boldly on its website that it is "dedicated to a brighter future for everyone". But it is no joy going to jail, even to a female prison like the Dochas Centre.

"Dochas" means "hope", and the Dublin jail for women looks nice enough on the outside. Even inside, most people who end up there are neither hardened criminals nor celebrity killers like Catherine Nevin and the Scissors Sisters.

Please sign in or register with Independent.ie for free access to Opinions.